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JOSEPH, Esther Mendelsohn

on
July 26, 2004

JOSEPH, Esther Mendelsohn - Esther Marie-Louise Mendelsohn Joseph, known to her family and friends as MooMoo, died Friday, July 16, 2004, in San Francisco after several years of failing health. She was born in Berlin, Germany, on May 4, 1916, Esther was the daughter of the reknowned German architect, Erich Mendelsohn, who designed the Einstein Tower in Potsdam, Germany and Louise Maas Mendelsohn who received much recognition for her contributions to architecture. Esther grew up in the fascinating, culturally significant, though turbulent times of Berlin before and as Hitler came to power. She fled Germany at the age of 16, settling in her beloved London in 1933. In 1950, she married San Francisco surgeon, Peter Joseph and made the city her home for the remainder of her life. After the death of her mother in 1980, Esther continued extensive correspondence with Mendelsohn scholars throughout the world and generously supported numerous exhibitions, publications and conferences honoring her late father. A devoted mother, grandmother and friend, Esther leaves behind a daughter Daria Joseph of Mill Valley. Her two grandchildren, Joshua Petty of Los Angeles and Alexis Petty of San Francisco, were her greatest pride and happiness. Esther's longtime friend, the Berkeley artist, Ariel Parkinson, once wrote of Esther: Born out of beauty and intelligence Endowed with those, and with the gift of sense - Demeter's bounty and her daughter's grace And something more - your own firm feel for place And person. So many can say you helped them find Sensual pleasure, pleasure of the mind Peace for a time, and very often joy. As per Esther's wishes, there will be no Memorial Service. Contributions may be made in her name to Hospice by the Bay, 1540 Market Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, 94102.